Son of Weah settles clash between future stars
AS Brendan Rodgers’ side prepared to face the most expensive strike force in football history and a squad worth around £720million, 22 miles west of Celtic Park the future stars of both clubs were involved in a five-goal thriller. It might not have carried the same hype as the Champions League showdown but to the Under-19s playing at Dumbarton, it was just as important. And there was a little glamour thrown in, as well, with 1995 Ballon d’Or winner George Weah’s son, Timothy, grabbing the winner for the French side. There was much to be positive about for the Scots, however, with Celtic’s youth system continuing to produce talent. Kieran Tierney, James Forrest, Callum McGregor, Liam Henderson — whose younger brother Ewan played in the No 10 role — and Anthony Ralston have all come through the ranks at Parkhead. Nineteen-year-old Calvin Miller and 17-year-old Jack Aitchison have already been called up by Rodgers to the senior team. And last night’s performance by Tommy McIntyre’s youngsters suggests the future is bright for Celtic despite the defeat. McIntyre said: ‘I’m disappointed but I thought the players were excellent. We controlled the first half and scored a fantastic second goal. ‘We were playing a topquality side who reached the semi-finals last year. ‘It’s a fantastic competition. We’re against the cream of Europe. You can’t get better experience.’ Quick feet from standout Aitchison led to the first goal. The striker drew the foul from Moussa Sissako in the area. Captain Regan Hendry slotted the penalty into the bottom right corner. Celtic conceded just before the break when PSG captain Alec Georgen picked out 18-year-old Metehan Guclu, who guided his header into the far corner. Eight minutes after the restart Aitchison finished off a move of 20 passes and one nutmeg by latching on to Henderson’s sublime through ball. The striker won a second penalty for Celtic moments later but Hendry’s shot was saved and Henderson cannoned the rebound off the post. Substitute Virgiliu Postolachi then levelled for PSG and, minutes after Aitchison hit the bar, 17-year-old Weah headed the winner.